Harmony

Today's Mixed Media Monday theme is "harmony", and for me, there was no time in my life where I felt more at one with the universe, more completely purpose driven and accomplished, and more true to myself in gentleness and strength, than when holding my children as babies.  There is no emotion I can imagine that could be more harmonious than the peaceful love of a mother for the infant in her arms. 

This piece began as a catalog advertisement.  I made a black and white ink jet copy of the image on very cheap and thin copy paper, which I find is the best base for painting over with inks when I want to keep it somewhat transparent. I used thin layers of Tsukineko inks in the base colors I chose for the piece, paying attention to the lights, darks and shadows.  For some wonderful reason, the Tsukineko inks sit on top of the ink jet print and do not disturb or dissolve the ink jet layer underneath.  When dry, I used this as the base for oil pastel, building up color, layer upon layer until I was satisfied. 

The mother in the original photo was young and had a carefree look on her face.  I aged her slightly, and gave her a more serious look.  When the image was complete, I adhered it to 140# card and cut it out.  The background is an 8 X 8 piece of Basic Grey patterned paper which I chose equally for it's colors, and for the paradisaical look of the garden of flowers.  I cut out parts of some of the flowers and placed part of the image behind these, then I cut out other flowers from the left over pieces (paper was originally 12 X 12) and glued them on top.

It seems like forever since I have done something painterly.  I know there have been other little things in the meantime, but the last piece I can remember was almost a year ago when I made my blog banner.  I used to work in water soluble oil pastels quite a lot, but set them aside while I tried my hand at quicker drying acrylics, stamping inks, and lots and lots of other techniques.  It will take this piece about 3 weeks to cure.  Another reason that I use oil pastel so rarely these days.  But I am in no hurry, and it felt so wonderful to paint at a leisurely pace in a creamy, build-able medium, that I have probably just embarked on another artistic journey.

Have a great day, Everyone!

Comments

[Sandy]

Oh this is really lovely.
Fabulous.

[ilonka]

really a fantastic artwork! and i totally agree with your meaning of harmony :-)

[wil]

oh this is really fabulous !
its so lovely.

[Edna]

This is absolutely stunning and so beautifully collaged ...

[Petra Tillmann]

You make very beautiful artwork! I like it very much!

[Moira]

Gorgeous, and love the detail of how you made it, and why. Really lovely piece of work

[carolann]

Wow this is stunning absolutely beautiful hun well done xxxx

[Jean Zoss]

oh, just beautiful...I remember that feeling...nothing else like it

[Diane]

Beautiful, Barbara! Diane

[Beth Haendiges]

Such a beautiful insight into motherhood, and a beautiful card to match!

[Rosie]

Magic! Pure, unadulteredated Magick! When I gave birth to DD, I was like a tigress - all purry one minute and then fierce if anyone wanted to so much as look at her (and she was very beautiful - Caesarean, you see!), so I can identify with what you say...

[Barbara]

so pretty, and love all the ink work.

[Hermine]

Gorgeous, great image.

[p]

you brought out a very emotiional maternal feeling. congrats, regards..P

[~*~ Patty]

Such a beautiful and heartfelt piece Barbara, your description of motherhood is right on....what a special time with little ones!